South Africa, as the first African nation to hold the G20 Presidency, will host its inaugural G20 Health Working Group meeting virtually on Friday, 24 January 2025. This meeting is part of a series of activities planned for its leadership term.

The Department of Health explained that the meeting’s objective is to share South Africa’s health priorities with G20 Member States, invited non-Member States, and international organizations while providing a platform for stakeholders to contribute insights.

Themed “Accelerate Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage,” the meeting will focus on key global health challenges and opportunities, including:

• Strengthening primary healthcare as a foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Advancing Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response strategies.
• Supporting the health and care workforce.
• Addressing non-communicable diseases.
• Promoting science and innovation for health and economic growth.

This marks the first of several virtual and in-person meetings planned throughout the year, culminating in discussions among G20 Health Ministers and contributing to the G20 Health Working Group Declaration.

South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, making history as the first African nation to lead the global forum.